(*Reader Recipe)
This dish from Nancy Mehegian’s book Siren’s Feast: An Edible Odyssey is something I’d never heard of nor eaten (but I don’t feel like I’m totally closeted because I was not alone among the guests at our feast/book discussion). It takes minutes to make, is absolutely delicious and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. If you like a good dip (anyone out there who doesn’t?) and are having guests who might appreciate veering away from standard fare…give this a try.
1 lb. coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 small onion, grated
1 cup olive oil
2 T lemon juice
1 T pomegranate syrup (available in Middle-Eastern grocery stores…and online)
1/2 cup hot water
1 t. cumin
1/4 cup red pepper paste (available in Middle-Eastern grocery stores…and online)
1/2 t. salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted, for garnish
Place all ingredients in bowl of electric mixer and blend until smooth and creamy. Chill in refrigerator. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with pine nuts and serve with triangles of pita bread.
Other Recipes from Nancy
Kataif-Honey Shredded-Dough Pastry
B’Steeya
Carrot and Beet Salad
Of course I love dips. These are tantalizing ingredients. Need to dig up the red pepper paste and will give it a whirl. I love finding new tastes.
By: Claudia Haas on June 16, 2009
at 11:28 am
My favorite dips, absolutely delicious!
By: elra on June 16, 2009
at 11:49 am
As a matter of fact, I do love dip. It looks intriguing, I’ve never heard of it before either.
By: Bob on June 16, 2009
at 2:03 pm
I like this because its different. Nice flavors!
By: zoe on June 16, 2009
at 2:29 pm
Interesting…never had this dip…love the idea of the addition of pomegranate syrup, I am sure that adds a special flavor to the walnut…yummie!
By: Juliana on June 16, 2009
at 5:45 pm
breathtaking…absolutely gorgeous, with fascinating ingredients. I am left speechless.
By: burpexcuzme on June 16, 2009
at 6:45 pm
Very unique dip, I love this combination of ingredients with walnuts! I bet it is just so delicious with pita!
By: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie on June 16, 2009
at 7:55 pm
What a lovely dip!
I love the yummie flavours beautifully combined in here,…yum yum Yum!
By: Sophie on June 17, 2009
at 4:25 am
i love dip. i love lebanese food. how have i missed this dish? the massive contribution of walnuts to the flavor on top of pomegranate syrup, which i love, makes this something i need and want to try IMMEDIATELY.
By: grace on June 17, 2009
at 4:51 am
This is one of my favorite dips! Chocolate & Zucchini has the recipe I usually turn to which calls for roasting several red bell peppers. A red pepper paste would be even easier. FYI, the dip freezes beautifully for later use.
By: Phoo-D on June 17, 2009
at 6:19 am
This recipe made huge impression on my dinner table. Pefect dip for the Summer Patio!
Thanks for sharing your recipe:)
Have a Great Day
By: foodcreate on June 17, 2009
at 9:13 am
I love muhamarra, it’s so delicious. I especially love it because it helps to use up the bottle of pomegranate molasses that I’ve had forever!
By: Sara on June 17, 2009
at 11:24 am
This looks really good- especially with that pomegranate molasses!
By: Reeni on June 17, 2009
at 6:09 pm
This is way different than the usual fare. I like to find different things to serve to my guests. I will put this in the next rotation. This has been a neat highlight of recipes from your friend. Keep them coming!
By: RobinSue on June 17, 2009
at 9:11 pm
love the combination.. sound addictive.. a must try.. yummyy!!!
By: nora@ffr on June 18, 2009
at 3:44 am
I love all kinds of Lebanese food, but this one I’ve never tried (though have heard of it). Looks fantastic, and after reading the ingredients, how could it NOT be amazing?!
By: Muneeba on June 18, 2009
at 12:36 pm
This IS very unique indeed. So many nuts in there.
I am jealeous of your feast/book discussion group. I wanted to do that but unfortunately my friends are not interested in food and cooking. This is why i blog about food, I guess
By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. on June 18, 2009
at 8:31 pm
That looks great! Muhammara is one of my favorite dips. I normally use freshly roasted red peppers in it.
By: Kevin on July 5, 2009
at 4:49 am